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Siebert's Science Students Bring Speed To Physics

Upper School Science Teacher, Marcia Siebert, is cultivating in her students a deeper understanding and appreciation of physics principles through a hands-on project that the students will build on and advance throughout the year as their knowledge grows.

“Students built four identical distance mousetrap cars and one speed car,” said Siebert. “They tested them and will use the cars throughout the year to apply different formulas they are learning in regards to friction, work, force and torque force. For this first test, the focus was to learn basic mechanics and calculate the average acceleration of the cars.”

Eleventh grader CJ Taculod was excited for this project as well as the process of testing their cars. “The best part was being able to see the car move. You built the car with your own hands and you’re proud of your work!”

Noah Moser, Joshua Howard, and Harper Geiger also shared their excitement as they set their cars up to race down the hallway cheering as the vehicles passed each other towards the finish line. 

Mrs. Siebert certainly knows how to create lessons with impact!

PCA's Capstone 'Senior Thesis' Gets Innovative, New Approach

What better way to prepare students for college than allowing them to engage in a multifaceted project that serves as a culminating academic, intellectual, and spiritual experience? The goal of Senior Thesis is just that. Expert teachers and mentors will walk alongside these senior students as they pursue, research, and present a topic that challenges them to think critically and biblically. Seniors will encounter opportunities to sharpen their skills in public speaking, media literacy, planning, self-sufficiency, and goal setting- all skills that are essential for college success.  

This year, Mrs. Marcia Siebert and Mrs. Kristi Ugland are spearheading a new and innovative approach to this course. Students were provided with an option of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or Humanities based research in an effort to target their interests and preparedness for college goals. Additionally, all students are required to examine and present their topic through a biblical worldview lens. They must demonstrate an understanding of how God’s word and biblical truth are applied to their research. 

Both sections, STEM and Humanities, often meet together for joint lessons and learning which include discussions on biblical worldview and how to conduct appropriate research. Students receive guidance for writing, and expert wisdom from both senior thesis teachers. In addition, students are required to select an expert mentor that will help oversee their topic, writing, and research. These mentors will continue to walk with their students throughout the year and serve as a panel expert for their senior seminar presentation. 

This course is off to a great start. Students have given positive feedback and are enjoying their learning process. Kristi Ugland states, “We’ve already heard our first presentations where students, following the writing process, wrote and then shared a “How-To” speech! We hear about how to “make the perfect shot,” how to “become a bird watcher,” and how to “change the oil in your own car.” It was fun and the students got those early jitters out about speaking in front of our peers.”  

The group also took their first field trip on Tuesday, August 30, to Charleston Southern University Library for a lesson in Media Literacy and Academic Research.  

If you see a senior student around on campus, ask them to share about their senior thesis class, what topic they picked, and why it is important to them. They will be excited to tell you!